LaPorte County Coroner

10/05/2026

Here is a summary of Coroner calls through the end of September, listed by Manner of death. Su***des are at an all time high, please check on your people. Help is available, CALL 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline. Of the 39 Accidental deaths, 14 are Drug Overdose.

09/19/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Death Investigation — 8325 N. 125 E., LaPorte County
The LaPorte County Coroner’s Office responded to a residence located at 8325 N.125 E., LaPorte County, Indiana, following the discovery of a deceased male in the basement of the residence.
The decedent has been identified as 22-year-old Jonathan J. Ybarra,
who was last known to reside in Warsaw, Indiana. Ybarra sustained a single gunshot wound to the head.
An autopsy is pending. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Incident Summary
On Friday, September 18, 2026, at approximately 3:15 p.m., an Indiana State Police trooper was flagged down by a concerned citizen who reported two suspicious individuals walking along County Road 125 E., south of County Road 900 N. in rural LaPorte County. The individuals had reportedly approached a family member and were described as acting suspiciously.
The trooper located the two individuals, a male and a female, and began speaking with them. During the interaction, the trooper asked the male for identification.
While the trooper was seated inside his patrol vehicle and the two individuals remained outside, the male removed a fi***rm from his waistband. The trooper immediately accelerated away from the area. The male suspect then fired at the patrol vehicle, striking it twice. The trooper was not injured.
The trooper subsequently observed both individuals flee into a wooded area near 8525 N. 125 E.
Additional law-enforcement units responded to the scene.
The female suspect later emerged from the wooded area and surrendered to authorities. The male suspect remained unaccounted for, prompting a search of the surrounding area.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., the Indiana State Police SWAT team entered the residence at 8325 N. 125 E.
During a search of the residence, officers located the male suspect in the basement.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death remains on going. The LaPorte County Coroner’s Office will provide additional information regarding the cause and manner of death following the completion of the autopsy and investigation.

Lynn Swanson MDI
LaPorte County Coroner

09/10/2026

BIG THANKS again to Bethany Luthern Church Quilters for the beautiful quilts donated to our Compassionate Quilt program. The quilts have been a wonderful gift of remebrance to the families who have received them.

09/10/2026

With September being Su***de Awareness/Prevention month, our office reports 25 suicides in LaPorte County since January 1, 2026.
Please check on your friends and family who are struggling, help is available.

09/09/2026

**ATTEMPT TO LOCATE NEXT OF KIN** **UPDATE BELOW***
Roberto Armando Duran Domenech, DOB 12-10-1970
Roberto lived in LaPorte, IN but may have children in New York.
Anyone with information please contact LaPorte County Coroner 219-326-6808 ext. 7900.

UPDATE********
A nephew has been located and notified. Thank you for your help !

09/03/2026

08/18/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2026

15 Year Old East Brunswick, New Jersey Male dies following Drowning Accident

The LaPorte County Coroner's Office is reporting the death of Taha Badar, 15, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, following a drowning accident on August 17, 2026.
Taha Badar was transported to Franciscan Health Michigan City following the incident. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Responding agencies include, Michigan City Fire Department and Dive Team, LaPorte County EMS, Michigan City Police, LaPorte County Sheriff, Coast Guard, DNR and Washington Park Lifeguards.

The LaPorte County Coroner's Office extends its sincere condolences to Taha Badar's family, friends and all those affected by this tragic loss.

Lynn Swanson, MDI , Coroner
LaPorte County Coroner's Office

08/06/2026

Thank you to Dawn Werner and Karen Bailey for the donation of fabric for our Compassionate Quilts. It will delivered next week to the hard working ladies making quilts for the families we serve. Thank you again ladies!